Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Hike
8,122 ft | California
4.9 mi loop
1,000 ft
3.5 hr
Moderate
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Hike at a Glance
The Sentinel Dome & Taft Point hike via the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop is 4.9 mi loop with 1,000 ft of elevation gain, about 3.5 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 8,122 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop |
| Distance | 4.9 mi loop |
| Elevation gain | 1,000 ft |
| Hiking time | About 3.5 hr |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 2 h 10 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 2 h 40 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 1,210 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 4.9 mi distance and 1,000 ft of gain for this hike are verified (yosemite.com), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Sentinel Dome & Taft Point
At 8,122 feet, Sentinel Dome & Taft Point is a summit in California. The Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop covers 5.5 miles (loop) with about 1,051 feet of elevation gain — gentle grades, but the mileage is what makes it a Hard outing.
Getting There
It's roughly 125 miles south of Reno, Nevada. Parking: Sentinel Dome Trailhead. Fee: $35 park entrance. Cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
The Moderate rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 3 to 4 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — a saved route works offline in any GPS app, and cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from National Park Service - Yosemite.
Nearby summits with their own guides on this site: Half Dome (4.8 mi away) and Clouds Rest (7.1 mi away).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Sentinel Dome & Taft Point?
The Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop is 4.9 miles as a loop with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 3 to 4 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point hike?
It's rated Moderate using the National Park Service difficulty formula (4.9 miles as a loop, 1,000 ft of gain — about 200 ft of climbing per mile).
Are dogs allowed on the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Sentinel Dome & Taft Point?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Sentinel Dome & Taft Point?
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point stands at 8,122 feet (2,476 meters) in California.
Best Time to Visit
spring
March - May
Muddy trails, snow at higher elevations, stream crossings high
summer
June - August
Best hiking conditions, afternoon thunderstorms possible
fall
September - November
Peak foliage mid-September to mid-October, cooler temperatures
winter
December - February
Severe alpine conditions, high winds, extreme cold
Fall Gear Checklist
- Layers
- Headlamp
- Warm hat/gloves
- Rain gear
Tip: Parking lots fill early during foliage season. Arrive before 7am on weekends.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
- Verified against
- yosemite.com
- Distance
- yosemite.com
- Elevation
- Open-Meteo (Copernicus 30 m DEM)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Sentinel Dome & Taft Point. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Half Dome is only 4.8 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!